FAQs

Answers to the European Smaller Companies Trust frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) can inform investment decisions, with key data about sectors, fees, fund managers, independent ratings, and more.

• What is The European Smaller Companies Trust's investment objective?

  The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC seeks capital growth by investing in smaller and medium sized companies which are quoted, domiciled, listed or have operations in Europe (excluding the UK). The Company Invests mainly in Western Europe typically more than 120 companies with an average market cap of around £1bn and rarely above £3bn. The company leverages Janus Henderson’s European equity expertise to find quality growth companies.

• When was The European Smaller Companies Trust incorporated?

  The incorporation date was 10th July 1990.

• Who is the fund manager of The European Smaller Companies Trust?

  The fund manager is Ollie Beckett. He joined the asset management industry in 1995 and has been with Janus Henderson since 1998. Ollie has managed the company since 2011.

• What is The European Smaller Companies Trust's benchmark?

  The company’s investment benchmark is the MSCI Europe ex UK Small Cap Index.

• What is The European Smaller Companies Trust's sector?

  The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) classifies companies into sectors as a way of grouping companies with common characteristics. The classifications are based on a combination of the company’s regional or industry focus, and its investment objective. The European Smaller Companies Trust is classified within the ‘European Smaller Companies’ sector.

• How big is The European Smaller Companies Trust?

  As of 29th February 2024, the Company had total assets of £847.53M under management.
  Source: AIC. Updated monthly.

• When does The European Smaller Companies Trust make dividend payments?

  Proposed dividend payment date(s): April and November.

• Has The European Smaller Companies Trust been independently rated by a third party?

  The company has received an overall rating of ★★★★ by Morningstar. [1]
  [1] Source: Morningstar

• What is the annual management fee of The European Smaller Companies Trust?

  The management fee is 0.55% pa on first £800m of net assets and 0.45% pa in excess thereof.

• What is the The European Smaller Companies Trust's ESG policy?

  View the The European Smaller Companies Trust’s ESG policy here.

• Where can I find additional research on The European Smaller Companies Trust?

  For general insight into the Company, please see the latest Kepler commissioned research here.
  This research gives general insight into the background of the Investment Trust, and the investment strategy with which it is run. In addition to this it outlines the Company’s objectives and provides updates from the Fund Manager, as well as recent performance data.

• Has European Smaller Companies Trust changed name?

  As at 17 January 2022, TR European Growth Trust PLC (TRG) was renamed to The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (ESCT). This is to make the Company’s investment proposition immediately clear to potential investors. The investment objective and policy has not changed and continues to meet investors’ demands and the Fund Manager’s approach to investing. For more information, read the 2021 Annual Report.